Laity

Firstly, the historiography of the subject will be examined. The initial idea that large shifts in attitudes towards the supernatural resulting from the Reformation were presented by Max Weber in his work The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Weber argued that the Reformation was part of some great process, where Protestantism rejected sacramental magic and instead brought about a rationalisation and intellectualisation of the world where incorporeal forces no longer existed in…

The Uncommon Faith: the early years of Opus Dei, discovers early centuries of Opus Dei and displays why St. Josemaría Escrivá so speedily grow into well-known for his sanctity. Conveying to graceful specifics found only in hard-to-find Spanish sources, author John Coverdale highpoints St. Josemaría's diligent, audacious determinations to spread the meaning of lay holiness even among the trepidation and vagueness of the Spanish Civil War. Coverdale clarifies by what means St. Josemaría assisted…

Methodists accept the Nicene Creed and Apostles' Creed as containing the core tenets of the Christian faith. and many congregations recite one or the other weekly in their worship services. The officially binding theological statements are not the creeds, but what are called the "Articles of Religion," which are drawn from the Anglican Church's Articles of Religion. Methodists are ecumenical and willing to work with and learn from Christians of other denominations. They believe in bringing their…

church community. I understand that the blessings of my education are because of the sacrifices of those who paved the way for me; therefore, it is necessary that I give back. As a theological educator, I plan to invest in the lives of clergy and laity, who do not, for whatever reason, have the ability to attend a theological institution. I feel called to invest in the lives of the community in which I come from first. Jesus told his disciples,…

Review: Luther, Martin. Three Treatises. Lehmann, Helmut T., Ed. Fortress Press. Philadelphia, PA. 1966. In 1517, Martin Luther, the famed reformer of the Protestant Reformation, nailed his ninety-five theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenburg, Germany after which debate, and protest would spread like wildfire. By 1520, Luther had written several treatises, however, three of the most polemic treatises, To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation, The Babylonian Captivity of the Church,…

each person, secular or spiritual, would be equal in power and their office and work would stand as a useful asset to the Christian community. Luther uses this example in an effort to diminish the authority that the Church seemingly has over the laity. Luther continues to scrutinize the first wall, saying that there really is no difference between laymen and religious clergy, other than the work they do (11). Luther then directs the readers’ attention back to the texts of St.…

separate materials which typically consisted of pieces or strips of cloth. The second type of religious action connected to the robe originated from the permission monks received to have access to robes or the materials for producing them from the laity. The presentation for materials of robes was then thought to have the same beneficial karmic effects as a food offering. Within this practice materials and rags were offered. There were six types of materials allowed through the permission of the…

The seven methods that evangelists can become successful. First, “Biblical theology,” is needed for a person planning to be a good evangelist. This person needs to receive a spiritual calling from God, have a strong faith, and know the purpose of evangelism. A successful evangelist, an example of Paul, who challenged each member of the body of Christ to “fulfil your ministry” (Abraham J. Jules). Evangelists should have a disposition that respects, honors, and shows love to others. The love and…

ingenuity, and a stronger understanding of the universe. In his The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1790), author William Blake attempts to defy the teachings of an Anglican Church—which he believes has become far too corrupt to impose its authority on the laity of England. One of Blake’s aphorisms states that: “What is now proved was once only imagin’d.” Blake’s aphorisms vary in their interpretation, yet most apply to many real world situations. Perhaps the purpose of said aphorism is to…

"Baptism" Can Salvation Be Attained without Baptism?; In the Nicene Creed it clearly states " I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins." And also Jesus said, "I solemnly assure you, no one can enter into Gods kingdom without being begotten of water and Spirit" (John 3:5). There are various other quotes saying this, but as you can see above it is clear it says you cannot enter unto Gods kingdom without getting baptism. Since the fall of Adam and Eve we have…